Building a shed is fairly simple, only basic carpentry skills are required. This can be a project many homeowner can do themselves in a couple of weekends.
If you have never built anything before, learning how to build a shed for the first time should be no problem. A shed consist of a fairly simple structure. You can easily learn the kind of construction that is involved by surfing the net for free shed plans. By doing so you will get a good idea of what is involved in the building process. Once you study some plans you should get a good idea if you will be able to take on this project.
If you feel building a shed is beyond your carpentry skills, consider a pre-fabricated shed kit. All the parts will come pre-cut, and ready for assembly. A shed kit will include all the frame, siding, doors, and windows. The most common materials used for these shed kits will be wood, vinyl or metal.
Another option to consider is finding a design you like, and buying the plans. You can show the plans to some of the local handymen in your area, and get some estimates for the labor.
Once you are ready for the construction, finding a good location will be the first step. Finding a place that will blend in with your home and landscaping is ideal. Also keep in mind the style of your shed for best results. Avoid locations were there might be utility lines. Having the shed on top of utility lines will make it difficult to get to in case repairs will need to be made.
Determine what the shed will be used for, to get an idea of the size you will need. Walk around your property with your tape measure, and choose a location that will be adequate. Clear and level the area you have chosen.
If you will be constructing on a skid foundation, digging four inches down and filling it with gravel is recommended. By adding about four inches of gravel the foundation will have less moister and last longer.
In conclusion, most homeowner should be able to take on building a shed from scratch. The tools required are common to most households. Make sure you have the time and the patience.
Find some plans, you will find many different styles of plans online. Find the best design that will fit your landscape, and will not be to difficult for you to build. All plans should come with detailed drawings, dimensions, and a material list.
Before you begin, take your time to study the plans. Get familiar with the steps involved. Go over the material list to get an idea how much this project will cost.
Study and get a good understanding of the plans and material list, take your time to measure and cut all of the parts. Once you have all the material cut, assembly will be a breeze.
Building your own shed will not only save you money, you will have the satisfaction knowing it was built by you.
Always remember to check if any permits will be required. Different cities have different requirements, so remember to find out your requirements, or if a permit will be needed.
Lazaj
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-to-build-a-shed-730230.html
May 28th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Advice on rendering and waterproofing a new build shed?
I have just completed building a single block shed (wish I had bit the bullet and made it double block) Any way its single block and I'm getting it rendered inside and out. What is the best ways to
a) Keep the damp out.
b) Insulate the walls inside
As much advice and ways as possible please.
PS its not going to be possible to thermalite the inside with blocks.
May 28th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
u did that all by urself?
References :
May 28th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Insulation: 1 1/2" or 2" sheet foam with foil inside and out held to the block with adhesive. There is also a dealer applied spray foam available, check your yellow pages. The draw back to spray on is that you may have to construct dry wall ( or another type of wall ) walls to protect the foam.
Waterproofing on the outside: use a masonry paint made for the job. Available in colors (at least the Valspar brand does). Don't use a stain as it does not seal the block.
References :
May 28th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Hi,
The cheap way, is to paint a waterproof sealer on the out side
'Thomson's Waterproofing Products' are very good. 'Febmix' is another water proofing product, that you can mix into your cement render mix, be for applying it as a render finish. Or you can put a 'Spar' finish on after rendering, it's a sort of rough cast hard finish.; Other than that, cladding the out side is the only real sure way, to make it weather proof. One important fact to point out, is that without a damp coarse, you will always have rising damp.
References :
May 28th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
The simplest way if you are getting a plasterer in is, Use a waterproofer additive to your scratchcoat. It is usually a 30-1 mix with the water. Read instructions on side of tub - the best one to use is sealarend.
Mix it in the water first then in the mixer with the sand cement.
In your top coat of render use lime and this will cause it to suck against the waterproofer.
When all this has cured, you can put a waterseal on the top coat. But if it is mixed properly you wont nedd it.
You can do the same on the inside wall. Be carefull not to render down below the damp course.
In regard to insulating the inside walls, the best bet woul be use a proper damp proof polystyrene plasterboard. You can get this from Sheffield insulations. it is blue polystyrene and comes with a 15 year damp proof guarantee.
Another method inside is to line the walls with a DBM (Damp Proof Membrane) (blue sheet) and fix it to the wall using battens. you can then fix your plasterboard to this and skim it or tape the joints.
Have fun
References :
I'm a builder